The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode Date: March 9, 2026
Episode Title: Americans Say “Send Them ALL Home" in Poll Shock

Episode Overview

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, Ben Ferguson breaks down a striking new Harvard Harris poll indicating that a majority of Americans are now in favor of deporting all illegal immigrants from the United States. Ferguson analyzes the poll's implications for upcoming midterm elections, the divide within the Democratic party, and the broader national debate on immigration policy. The commentary underscores how these poll results challenge Democratic strategies and narratives, while reinforcing key Trump administration objectives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Harvard Poll Results on Deportation (03:15–07:22)

• Poll Findings:
  A recent Harvard Harris poll (a “very liberal poll”) found that 57% of Americans support deporting all illegal immigrants in the country.
  • This number includes 54% of political independents and a surprising 35% of Democrats.
  • Among Republicans, support soars to 79%.
• Ben Ferguson’s Reaction:
  “That is a Harvard poll... Harvard. Do you understand? I'm gonna say it again because it's just so beautiful. Harvard.” (06:11)
  • Ferguson repeatedly emphasizes that these are not “conservative skewed” results, but from a reputable, liberal-leaning institution.
• Democratic Miscalculation:
  Ferguson argues Democrats underestimated the extent of pro-deportation sentiment, even within their own base.

2. Nuanced Democratic Support (07:23–08:30)

• Unexpected Numbers:
  Ferguson notes 35% of Democrats supporting total deportation is “shockingly high.”
  • “That's actually really high. It's shockingly high, in my opinion, that 35% of Democrats... want not some, all illegal immigrants in this country sent home.” (07:55)
• Sampling Details:
  The poll was conducted Feb 26-28 among about 2,000 registered voters by Harris Poll, Harris X, and Harvard.

3. Additional Immigration Measures: CDL Licensing (08:31–09:40)

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Issue:
  64% of respondents support a law barring illegal immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses.
  • Even 40% of Democrats favor this restriction.
    • “A higher number than I expected, 40% of Democrats say, yeah, you shouldn't be able to get a commercial driver's license, a CDL if you are an illegal immigrant.” (09:25)
• Rationale:
  Ferguson ties this to headline-grabbing incidents involving migrants and stresses language barriers.

4. Enforcement Tactics, ICE, & Local Cooperation (09:41–10:51)

• Law Enforcement Views:
  Swing voters generally dislike “tough police tactics” for deporting migrants, yet a majority expect local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE.
  • Ferguson explains the concept of ICE detainers and criticizes sanctuary cities for failing to notify federal authorities.
    • “Sanctuary cities and states do not notify ICE when they have an illegal immigrant in custody... That's a problem.” (10:21)
• Hiring/Firing Migrants:
  Ferguson references recent DHS crackdowns on employers hiring undocumented workers.
  • “One restaurant had to fire 29 illegal immigrant workers. So these employers know they're hiring illegals. They're doing it anyway. When they get caught, then they fire them because they don't want to deal with the aftermath.” (11:10–11:19)

5. Economic Arguments and Democratic Messaging (11:20–12:15)

• Democratic Counterpoints:
  Dems warn that mass deportation would cripple industries, spike prices, and risk business closures—Ferguson calls this a “lie.”
• Populist Priorities:
  Ferguson insists Americans, including many Democrats, want policy prioritizing citizens for:
  • Jobs
  • Healthcare
  • Insurance
  • Housing All of which are, according to Ferguson, “affected by illegal immigrant labor.” (12:00)

6. Political Mandate for President Trump (12:16–12:42)

• Message to the President:
  Ferguson asserts the poll signals a “clear mandate” to pursue continued border enforcement and deportation efforts.
  • “There is a clear mandate by the President of the United States... not only to secure the border, number one, but number two, to clean up our cities with illegal immigrant criminals and those that are in this country illegally.” (12:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the poll source:
  “That is a Harvard poll that includes 54% of political independence, 79% of Republicans, and actually 35% of Democrats.” (06:29)
• On Democratic underestimation:
  “This is an issue that Democrats didn't understand within their own party.” (06:59)
• On the scale of support:
  “It's shockingly high, in my opinion, that 35% of Democrats... want not some, all illegal immigrants in this country sent home.” (07:55)
• On economic effects:
  “That's also part of the lie. And I think everybody knows that.” (11:29)
• On the President’s agenda:
  “There is a clear mandate by the President...to secure the border, number one...number two, to clean up our cities with illegal immigrant criminals and those that are in this country illegally.” (12:30)

Key Timestamps

• 03:15 — Introduction and framing of Harvard poll results
• 06:11 — Emphasis on the significance of results coming from Harvard
• 07:55 — Surprise at Democratic support for deportation
• 09:25 — Support for CDL license restrictions
• 10:21 — Explanation of ICE detainers and sanctuary cities
• 11:10–11:19 — DHS crackdowns on illegal hiring in restaurants
• 12:30 — Ferguson’s message to President Trump

Summary Conclusion

This episode centers on a major poll indicating shifting public attitudes toward immigration and deportation, challenging Democratic messaging and supporting aggressive Trump administration policies. Ferguson stresses that the mainstream media is out of step with the electorate and urges the administration to take the numbers as a green light for continued tough stances on border security and deportations.

Intended takeaway: The “mandate” for mass deportation is growing, surprising even seasoned political observers, and could decisively shape the political landscape in 2026 and beyond.